Dry winds put Cal Fire crews on high alert; public urged to be cautious outdoors

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – With gusty, dry winds in the forecast, Cal Fire has increased its staffing and is urging the public to be extra cautious as fire danger heightens. The Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for many areas in Southern California starting today, Tuesday, April 29, for high winds with gusts of 55 mph along with low humidity lasting through Thursday.

“The drought has set the stage for a very dry and potentially dangerous fire season,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. “Fire season never really ended last year in Southern California and these strong winds will only elevate the current fire risk.”

Over the past several months, Cal Fire has hired additional seasonal firefighters across the State and bolstered fire equipment staffing months earlier than normal. In advance of the latest wind event, Cal Fire has increased its preparedness by staffing additional fire engines, bulldozers, fire crews, and aircraft. These state resources will be positioned strategically to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas that may be affected by a fast moving wildfire. Already this year, Cal Fire has responded to over 1,100 wildfires that have charred over 2,500 acres. In an average year for the same time period, Cal Fire would typically respond to 500 wildfires for just over 1,300 acres.

“We have extra firefighters and equipment available to respond to new wildfires during this wind event,” said Chief Dale Hutchinson, Cal Fire Southern Region chief. “While we are prepared, we are reminding residents to be extremely cautious while outdoors in order to prevent a wildfire. One less spark, means one less wildfire.”

Cal Fire asks Californians to remember ‘One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire’ and offers the following tips to prevent a wildfire:

· Don’t mow or weed eat dry grass on windy days

· Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely

· Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets

· Be extra careful with all power equipment outdoors including chainsaws, tractors and welders

For more ways to help prevent a wildfire visit PreventWildfireCA.org and to prepare for wildfires visit ReadyForWildfire.org.

Looks like there is a fire in Riverside County VN, any news on that, or is the smoke coming from somewhere else? Hard to tell with the winds…..

***VILLAGE NEWS REPLIES**** Hi Pink, yes, there is a 200+ acre fire over in the Rancho Cucamonga/Etiwanda area – currently causing evacuation of homes and several area schools. The winds are causing huge problems. I have family members over there that have just been evacuated. There are multiple fire agencies on it. Thank you, all clear here for now (hopefully it will stay that way). —Debbie Ramsey